By Daily Sports Nigeria on February 23, 2022

Bruno Fernandes has said Manchester United have “more identity” under interim manager Ralf Rangnick as they prepare for their first Champions League knockout tie in three years.

United face Atletico Madrid in the last 16 on Wednesday, with both teams enduring disappointing seasons heading into the first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone said Rangnick had already turned United into a force.

“We’re facing one of the best teams in the world,” Simeone told the pre-match press conference on Tuesday. “In the last 14 games, if I’m not mistaken, they just lost one.”

“The new coach has brought solidity, teamwork, commitment. They are fourth in the league. They are intense, dynamic, brave, with great footballers all round.”

Rangnick was appointed to see the English giants through to the end of the campaign after former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked as manager in November.

The German boss has presided over just one Premier League defeat, although United are still 17 points adrift of Premier League leaders and reigning champions Manchester City.

Europe offers greater prospect of success for the three-time kings of Europe, with United away to Atletico, who are themselves struggling to defend their title in La Liga.

Midfielder Fernandes pointed to Sunday’s 4-2 win at bitter rivals Leeds as proof that reports of dressing room unrest under Rangnick were misplaced.

“I saw the goal of H (Harry Maguire) and I’m seeing Paul (Pogba) running behind him, sliding on his knees, happy for him,” Fernandes told a pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

“So, I think honestly it’s just people trying to complain and making stories about this club because we know that when someone talk about this club or about some player of this club they go around the world with their voice. For us, it means nothing.”

And the 27-year-old Portugal international added: “Here in this club I never heard someone complain about the tactics and I hope no-one does that because it’s not respectful on the coach’s ideas because I think we have been doing so well since he arrived.

“We have more identity as a team, I think”.

Source The Guardian Nigeria

Posted February 23, 2022

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